Iranian PL: Round 14 Preview

GOAL - The Iranian Pro League will resume on Thursday, December 15 after a three week break.. It is difficult to predict how each team will perform as a number of them have players coming back from the West Asian Games in which Iran won the Bronze.
Perspolis and Rah-Ahan will kickoff Round 14 on Thursday. Earlier this week Rah-Ahan signed former Iran international Khodadad Azizi. The likable footballer may not be eligible for this game, but his presence is sure to inject some new enthusiasm in the clubhouse. The 35 years old has lost a bit of pace since his glory days, and it remains to be seen how much he can contribute to Rah-Ahan’s cause.

Perspolis were in the middle of a revival when the league went into recess. It will be interesting to see if they can continue their climb to the top and revive their old rivalry with Esteghlal.

Pas will be visiting Fajr in Shiraz. Mustafa Denizli’s team will be without their midfield general Javad Nekounam who joined Al Wahda of UAE earlier this month. Although the coach has tried to downplay the impact of Nekounam’s departure, his leadership on and off the field will surely be missed.

First place Esteghlal will host fourth place Zob-Ahan in Tehran’s Azadi stadium. This could be the most entertaining match of this week. Both teams have much at stake with Esteghlal needing a win to keep their lead, and Zob-Ahan hope to get out of their pre-recess slump.

Foolad will travel to Anzali to face a financially struggling Malavan. The northerners off the pitch struggle had begun to affected their on the pitch performance prior to the break. This may be a blessing for Foolad who need every point if they are to have a shot at keeping the title.

Saba Battery are preparing for the AFC Champions League. They are a long shot to win the IPL title, but a good second half will help instill some self confidence in the team in advance of the AFC CL games. This week they will meet a Bargh team that has been struggling all season.

Second place Saipa will meet Sepahan in Isfahan. Saipa were the hottest team in the first half of the IPL, and are likely to push Esteghlal to the very end. Sepahan on the other hand need to regroup after a series of disappointing results if they hope to remain in the race.

Shahid-Ghandi and Esteghlal of Ahvaz are two teams in transition. Ghandi’s Technical Director Mansour Pourhaydari resigned during the break and Ahvaz owner and President Ali Shafizadeh, seemingly disillusioned with the challenges of running a football team, handed over all the responsibilities to his brother. Lucky for both teams their opponents this week are in worst shape than they are. Ghandi will visit Abu-Moslem in Mashad and Ahvaz will host basement dwellers Shamooshak.

Thursday, December 15

Rah-Ahan -- Perspolis

Friday, December 16

Fajr -- Pas
Saba Battery -- Bargh
Sepahan -- Saipa
Malavan -- Foolad
Esteghlal Ahvaz -- Shamooshak
Abu-Moslem -- Shahid Ghandi
Esteghlal -- Zob-Ahan

Afshin Afshar